Jaw-Dropping Alpine Lakes in the United States
As a hiker and backpacker, exploring the far reaches of our natural wonders brings me the most joy. Visiting destinations such as epic alpine lakes and documenting them fuels my soul, and I hope these inspire you to find alpine lakes near you!
These are all my original photos, and I have personally visited each of the epic locations, so you know I’m speaking from authority on these.
Ice Lake
What to know about it: One of the coolest lake basins in Colorado. I’ve spent multiple nights and trips here and honestly say it should be a must-see for anyone visiting Southwest Colorado.
Location: Colorado
Island Lake
What to know about it: The first time I saw a picture similar to the above, I was hooked. It was the most stunning image I’d ever seen, and I knew I had to get there. Island Lake sits in the San Juan Mountains at 12,600 feet and dazzles every visitor.
Location: Colorado
Blue Lake
What to know about it: Outside of Telluride, Blue Lake is simply stunning. My first time visiting, I let out an audible “holy s***” at how pretty it was. Safe to say, I had to come back and did with my partner the following year. It’s utterly spectacular.
Location: Colorado
Lake Ingalls
What to know about it: Situated in Washington’s magical Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Lake Ingalls doesn’t disappoint! The trail is pretty moderate overall, and the views (that is Stuart Peak in the background) are phenomenal! Plus, fall colors are insane here!
Location: Washington
Rae Lakes
What to know about it: Far into the backcountry in Kings Canyon National Park, Rae Lakes sits on the PCT. You can do this loop in four days or choose an out and back at three days. Either way, you’ll need a permit to see this surreal alpine lake!
Location: California
Big Pine Lakes
What to know about it: Big Pine Lakes is a glacier-fed series of lakes, which give them that amazing turquoise color when the sun hits them. You need a permit to camp overnight, but otherwise, it makes for a long but amazing day hike.
Location: California
Columbine Lake
What to know about it: Columbine Lake is one of the bluest alpine lakes I’ve ever seen. And at 12,700 feet, it’s also the highest elevation I’ve ever camped at. It’s definitely worth the trek up here.
Location: Colorado
Doubtful Lake
What to know about it: This lake sits in North Cascades National Park below the famous Sahale Glacier Camp. It’s one of the most idyllic views in Washington.
Location: Washington
Iceberg Lake
What to know about it: Who wants to swim with literal icebergs? I did, and holy smokes, it was cold, but after a five-mile hike to the lake, it was so worth it! (Oh, keep that camera ready, as you might see grizzly bears!)
Location: Montana
Moraine Lake
What to know about it: Do we count drive-up lakes as alpine lakes? Moraine Lake, in the Valley of Ten Peaks, might be the most picturesque lake in the world. Unfortunately, due to congestion, private vehicles have been banned from the road.
Location: Alberta, Canada
Lake Louise
What to know about it: Same question! Is this technically an alpine lake? Regardless, Lake Louise is an epic place to hike and enjoy the views. If you come to Banff, you have to see this place!
Location: Alberta Canada
Alice Lake
What to know about it: One of the favorite lakes in Idaho. This place lights up in the morning and offers surreal night photography opportunities! It’s part of a sweet three-day backpacking trek that is good for all hikers.
Location: Idaho
Toxaway Lake
What to know about it: This is less of a “wow” lake, but it still offers awesome views of the Sawtooth Range and is ideally situated for astrophotography and the Milky Way.
Location: Idaho
Delta Lake
What to know about it: Delta Lake used to be a hidden gem, but now, four years after visiting, it’s become one of the most hiked trails in Grand Teton National Park. It’s perfect for sunrise as the sun hits the spires and creates the most majestic glow.
Location: Wyoming
Colchuck Lake
What to know about it: An epic hike in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness Colchuck Lake is uber-popular (I mean, look at it), which makes visiting on a weekday imperative if you want any chance at getting a parking spot.
Location: Washington
Island Lake
What to know about it: This is one of the hardest-to-reach alpine lakes on this list. It sits in the Wind River Range, near Titcomb Basin, and requires 12 miles and many thousand feet of gain to reach. Plus, the final elevation is around 10,300 feet, making it even more brutal to hike to.
Location: Wyoming
What is an Alpine Lake?
An alpine lake is a high-altitude lake near or above the treeline in a mountainous area. Some may qualify that the lake has to be above 5,000 feet, though that’s not an exact metric.
One thing that I personally think about alpine lakes is that you have to hike to them. But if we take the broadest definition, an alpine lake could be one tou drive up to, such as Lake Louise or Moraine Lake.
Final Thoughts on Alpine Lakes
For the most part, hiking and backpacking to alpine lakes is a challenging trek. You’ll need to be physically and mentally prepared for long days, elevation gain, and serious mileage. As with every hike, be trail-smart and come prepared for changing weather systems, too.
